Wood residue biomass energy in Georgia. Research report 452

Technical Report · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6699418

Ames, G C.W.; Dunavent, B B

The objectives of this project were: (1) to determine local biomass fuel supplies, their prices, and current market distribution throughout the Southeast with emphasis on Georgia; (2) to determine moisture content, foreign matter and storage characteristics which influence combustion efficiency and handling practices of sawmill and logging residues and wood chips from different sources throughout the state; and (3) to develop a model that can determine the least-cost wood fuel mix for potential users based upon demand and available supplies. Discussion is presented under the headings: Changes in Sawmill Residue Production; Mill Residue Supplies in Georgia; Average Residue Prices; Differences in Residue Utilization; Transportation Costs for Wood Residues; Moisture Content; and Determination of Delivered Cost of Wood Energy. In this demonstration using state-wide averages, softwood bark and softwood sawdust were determined to be the least-cost fuels, compared with other wood residues. Local conditions affecting supply and demand may produce different results, and fuel users should determine the least-cost fuel for their energy needs. As the demand for wood energy increases and supplies of readily available residues are already used up, other sources of wood energy may be tapped. The Georgia Forestry Commission and private forest management companies have encouraged the use of whole-tree chipping to clear scrub timberland consisting mainly of low-quality hardwoods prior to replanting with a new stand of valuable pine trees. Whole-tree chipping of waste pine and scrub hardwood increases the available supply of fuel wood chips, reduces erosion compared with other methods of land preparation, and encourages land owners to reforest their land, since the cost of replanting may be covered by the sale of fuel chips and other products. 6 references.

• Research Organization: Georgia Univ., Athens (USA). Agricultural Experiment Station
• OSTI ID: 6699418
• Report Number(s): NP-4901625; ON: TI84901625
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
090400* -- Solid Waste & Wood Fuels-- (-1989)
140504 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
AVAILABILITY
COST
DEMAND
ENERGY DEMAND
ENERGY SOURCES
FEDERAL REGION IV
FUELS
GEORGIA
MARKET
MOISTURE
NORTH AMERICA
PRICES
SOLID WASTES
TRANSPORT
USA
WASTES
WOOD FUELS
WOOD WASTES